Ep 5. Son of the Prophet

In Evil Lives Here season 2 episode 5, titled "Son of the Prophet," we are introduced to a man named Isaac Feliciano, who recounts his chilling experiences growing up with his father, Jose Feliciano. Isaac's story begins with his family's move to a New Jersey neighborhood where they are the only Hispanic family, and quickly takes a turn for the worse as Jose begins to reveal his true nature as a manipulative and abusive father.

Isaac describes how his father, a self-proclaimed prophet, would frequently have visions and would force the family to partake in bizarre rituals in order to appease God. Isaac's older siblings had already left home by the time he was born, leaving him alone with his parents. He endured physical and emotional abuse from his father, who would often equate his punishments to biblical stories and passage. Isaac becomes isolated from the rest of the world, particularly when his father starts home-schooling him outside of the public school system.

As Isaac grows older, his father's behavior only worsens. Jose begins to have delusions of grandeur, believing that he is above the law and immune to consequences. Isaac recalls how his father would constantly talk about the end of the world and convinced him that they would need to go into hiding when it happened. Jose would frequently move the family to different locations for this reason.

Despite the abuse and isolation, Isaac remained loyal to his father, even when his father's behavior culminated in a terrible crime. Looking back on his childhood, Isaac tries to make sense of why he allowed himself to be taken in by his father's vision. He grapples with questions of guilt and responsibility, and wonders what lessons can be learned from his experience.

"Son of the Prophet" takes the viewer on a journey through the dark and complex landscape of intergenerational abuse. It is a thought-provoking piece, exploring the blurred lines between faith and fanaticism, loyalty and manipulation, and how easily one can become ensnared in a toxic web of family dynamics. Isaac's story is a testament to the power of the human psyche to endure, and to the importance of overcoming the illusions that keep us trapped in cycles of violence and control.